The German Greens, led by Habeck and Baerbock, faced disappointing election results, dropping to 11.61% of the vote. They will move to opposition as CDU allies with SPD. Habeck will step back from leadership roles, while Baerbock remains quiet about her future. Immigration talking points and coalition failures contributed to the Greens losing votes to the Left Party. Their shift to opposition presents new challenges amid shifting political dynamics in Europe.
On February 25, 2025, leaders of the German Greens, Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock, faced journalists with seriousness after the party secured only 11.61% of the vote in the latest Bundestag elections, down from 14.8% in 2021. As former coalition partners, the Greens will now move into opposition, with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their sister party likely forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD).
The current government will remain in office until Friedrich Merz heads the CDU, but the Greens will have limited power during this time. By Easter, it is expected that their time in government will conclude, following a short tenure of less than four years. Habeck, the Greens’ former chancellor candidate, believed the election campaign went well but acknowledged the disappointing results, stating, “This is not a good result: we wanted more.”
Habeck will not seek leadership roles in the parliamentary grouping, and Baerbock has remained silent about her future. Despite expressing openness to a coalition with the CDU/CSU during the campaign, Banaszak, another party leader, indicated this stance may have alienated potential voters who were apprehensive about a Merz-led chancellorship.
Habeck’s remarks on immigration, particularly about deporting criminals, raised questions among Greens, with many thinking his messaging was overly harsh. Consequently, the party lost 700,000 votes to the Left Party, which supports liberal immigration policies. The performance also reflects the coalition’s failures, as noted by parliamentary group co-leader Britta Hasselmann, who mentioned the achievements yet acknowledged internal conflicts.
Transitioning to opposition will be a challenge for the Greens in a new political landscape marked by Trump’s influence on Europe. Co-leader Banaszak emphasized the need for a strong German presence in European affairs. Although coalition prospects with CDU/CSU and SPD seem slim, the Greens might play a crucial role in potential debt reform discussions to strengthen Germany’s military, provided they are sought for support due to a two-thirds majority requirement.
In conclusion, the German Greens, led by Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock, are set to transition into opposition following a disappointing election outcome. The party faces challenges in adapting to its new role while navigating complex immigration discussions and past coalition failures. Despite limited influence in the new government, the Greens could assist in potential reforms, particularly if debt rules are amended to boost military funding.
Original Source: www.dw.com
